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9/30/2022 0 Comments 2022 Best Places to Work
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September 5-9, 2022
Dana Hetrick, President of Lucas Commercial Flooring, joins the new Board of Directors in the role of Sponsorship to assist the organization in creating and implementing a new sponsorship program. Here is the official press release from the organization: https://www.nawbokc.org/blog/nawbo-kc-welcomes-2022-2023-board-of-directors  NAWBO KC Welcomes New Board of Directors(KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI, August 23, 2022)
The Kansas City chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners welcomes its new board of directors. The 2022-2023 board, led by Ashley Mahoney, founder of Hello Big Idea, includes seven returning members and three new members. It added a new position for Sponsorship this year. “It is an exciting time for the NAWBO KC chapter. We have members leading at the national level, outlined a solid strategic plan for growth last year, and are in decent shape financially. I am looking forward to what we all accomplish together this year!” Ms. Mahoney said of the new board and the chapter’s 70 members. The full NAWBO KC board includes women from a variety of organizations. They are the following: ⚫ Ashley Mahoney, Hello Big Idea, Board President ⚫ Kelly Byrnes, Voyage Consulting Group, President-Elect and Marketing ⚫ Robyn Stevens, Robyn Stevens Feng Shui, Secretary ⚫ Stephanie Willis, SBDC Kansas at JCCC, Programming ⚫ Stella Crewse, Fortiviti, Membership ⚫ Karen Reimer, Ad Astra Financial Group, Advocacy ⚫ Kim Specker, Rare Transformation, Treasurer ⚫ Shea Stevens, Burke McClasky Stevens, Governance ⚫ Dana Hetrick, Lucas Commercial Flooring, Sponsorship ⚫ Mandy Shoemaker, Prairie Elder Care, Immediate Past President NAWBO KC holds events monthly to help business owners build their companies through learning and networking. There are opportunities for service throughout the year as well. Many events are open to non-members, so if you are a women business owner or supporter of businesses owned by women, visit the Events page. _________________________________ About NAWBO KC NAWBO KC brings together local women in business to learn, connect, and grow. The chapter is diverse, yet the vision is shared: supporting the success of women entrepreneurs in Kansas City. NAWBO KC provides opportunities for women business owners to hone their business management and leadership skills, network, and contribute to the community. _________________________________ About NAWBO Celebrating women in business for four decades, NAWBO’s local chapter is part of a bigger vision – one started and led by the National Association of Women in Business. Founded in 1975, NAWBO is the unified voice of more than 10 million women-owned businesses in the United States. 7/13/2022 0 Comments Asbestos Flooring in 2022My building was built in the 1990's... My flooring was replaced in 2008... It is 2022... |
| Asbestos was a common filler in the U.S. starting in the 1920’s and continued to be used in flooring and adhesive production for decades. It was a preferred material, as it is strong and fire resistant. It is fibrous, which is what gave the products additional strength; however, that is one of the reasons it is a dangerous material. When scraped or broken apart, the fibers of asbestos can get airborne and be ingested, which can cause many forms of cancer and other health related issues. |  |
My building was built in the 1990’s, is there any way that my flooring can contain asbestos? Many think that asbestos use in flooring was stopped in the 1970’s; however, the EPA didn’t issue the Asbestos Ban and Phase Out Rule (ABPR) until 1989. This ruling was a phased process: the manufacture and processing of vinyl/ asbestos flooring and flooring felt had to cease by August 1990; however, any stock-on-hand that contained asbestos as of August 1992 could still be used as long as the stock was labeled to indicate the asbestos ingredient. This means that use of asbestos containing materials was still going on in the early 1990’s.
My floors were replaced in 2008, that means that there can’t be any asbestos, right? Unfortunately, abatement is a costly process, so many companies decided to cover instead of abating their asbestos flooring products. If the existing VAT (Vinyl Asbestos Tile), sheet vinyl, and/or asbestos containing adhesives were soundly connected to the subfloor, flooring materials were installed directly over the existing materials delaying the need and cost for abatement.
The downside of this method is that the material on top is now adhered to the asbestos containing products. When you start removing the top floorcovering, the materials underneath also start coming up. If the asbestos containing materials start to break or release at all, the job must stop, and abatement must be completed. If the material on top is adhered directly to asbestos containing adhesive, there is no safe way to remove the material without disturbing the original adhesives and/or voiding your new material's warranty without abatement.
The downside of this method is that the material on top is now adhered to the asbestos containing products. When you start removing the top floorcovering, the materials underneath also start coming up. If the asbestos containing materials start to break or release at all, the job must stop, and abatement must be completed. If the material on top is adhered directly to asbestos containing adhesive, there is no safe way to remove the material without disturbing the original adhesives and/or voiding your new material's warranty without abatement.
It is 2022, how do I know if there is asbestos in my flooring? The best way to determine if asbestos is present in any components of your existing flooring is investigation and testing. Testing will involve procuring multiple samples of the layers to be tested by a certified testing facility. Procurement of the samples should be completed by a trained agent to make sure they are collected safely and properly, and multiple areas in the replacement should be investigated.
Working with a quality flooring contractor that investigates under the existing products, performs tests before work starts, and determines the total scope of work, projects can minimize delays and unexpected abatement costs due.
Working with a quality flooring contractor that investigates under the existing products, performs tests before work starts, and determines the total scope of work, projects can minimize delays and unexpected abatement costs due.
References: 40 CFR 763. Asbestos: Manufacture, Importation, Processing, and Distribution in Commerce Prohiibitions; Final Rule (epa.gov)
Federal Register, Volume 59 Issue 123 (Tuesday, June 28, 1994) (govinfo.gov)
Asbestos Regulations- Federal & State Laws about Exposure (mesotheliomahub.com)
How long does asbestos stay airborne once disturbed? (oracleasbestos.com)
Federal Register, Volume 59 Issue 123 (Tuesday, June 28, 1994) (govinfo.gov)
Asbestos Regulations- Federal & State Laws about Exposure (mesotheliomahub.com)
How long does asbestos stay airborne once disturbed? (oracleasbestos.com)
Top 3 Mistakes Commercial Spaces Make When Making the Change!
by Dana Hetrick, Flooring Specialist- Lucas Commercial Flooring Group
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) continue to be the trend in commercial spaces, from corporate offices to healthcare environments. Many organizations see the advantages of the durable, low-maintenance wear layers and the flexibility of designs. Many decision makers take the plunge from soft surfaces to hard surfaces , but not all take the time to consider all of the aspects of the change until it is too late.
| Why are commercial environments making the change? There are a lot of advantages of LVT/ LVP. Commercial resilient products are low maintenance, without the waxing requirements of its predecessor, VCT. Spills are easy to wipe away with a paper towel or mop up with a micro-fiber mop. The variety of patterns allow for a minimal look or more variation to hide spills that aren't immediately addressed. When looking at making the change, most evaluate the products themselves, not their current environment. Isolating the material without evaluating the space can lead to undesirable results. Here are 3 things that should be considered before making a change from Carpet to LVT/ LVP to avoid unwanted results: |  |
1) Acoustics
One of the first noticeable changes in the environment of a space are the acoustics: how loud are the background noises of a space? Are there a lot of people in open spaces having phone conversations? Is there traffic noise? How many interruptions are there from people coming and going with doors opening and closing? Sound travels several ways: directly to your ears or it can bounce off surfaces until it dissipates. Soft surfaces help to minimize the sounds bouncing around, so as sounds travel to the carpet, they are dissipated by that soft surface. Removing that soft surface and replacing with a hard surface can create a louder environment than what occupants are used to hearing.
If acoustics are not considered before making the change from carpet to LVT, the noise and disruption level in a workspace may have a negative effect. If there are other soft surfaces in the space- ceiling tiles, fabric furniture, drapery, etc., the change to a hard surface may not be much of a change at all.
One of the first noticeable changes in the environment of a space are the acoustics: how loud are the background noises of a space? Are there a lot of people in open spaces having phone conversations? Is there traffic noise? How many interruptions are there from people coming and going with doors opening and closing? Sound travels several ways: directly to your ears or it can bounce off surfaces until it dissipates. Soft surfaces help to minimize the sounds bouncing around, so as sounds travel to the carpet, they are dissipated by that soft surface. Removing that soft surface and replacing with a hard surface can create a louder environment than what occupants are used to hearing.
If acoustics are not considered before making the change from carpet to LVT, the noise and disruption level in a workspace may have a negative effect. If there are other soft surfaces in the space- ceiling tiles, fabric furniture, drapery, etc., the change to a hard surface may not be much of a change at all.
 | 2) Level Subfloors All flooring forms to what it is being installed on, so what is under your existing carpet? Are there any additional layers of flooring hidden beneath the existing carpet? Do you have concrete or wood subfloors? How level are your floors? Do you have a lot of sunlight that will highlight subfloor imperfections? One advantage of carpet is that it can hide a multitude of subfloor sins, which prevent you from knowing exactly what is going on underneath. The only way to find out what is going on is to remove that carpet; however, partnering with a flooring specialist allows for additional investigating and planning on the front side to know more about what to expect on the final installation. Additional floor preparation may be needed and planned for before making the switch to make sure your new floor is as smooth as possible. |
3) Moisture
Whether moisture is spilled from the top or hiding in the subfloor, moisture can be a problem for LVT/ LVP. Traditional roll carpet is a breathable surface, allowing moisture to move through the material to evaporate; however, LVT/ LVP can trap moisture between the subfloor and the product, which can mean big problems. Care should be used in selecting an LVT/ LVP for kitchens, water filling stations, or other locations that have a lot of moisture and/or spill potential. Moisture that sits too long on the surface of the flooring can seep between seams and get trapped under the flooring. This can lead to adhesive and/or flooring failure. Subfloors, both wood and concrete, should also be tested prior to replacement for moisture levels to determine if moisture is present. Natural springs, poor drainage, missing vapor barriers, and other factors can cause moisture to reside in subfloors. Checking the moisture levels in the subfloor can prevent future issues with the LVT/ LVP floors.
Whether moisture is spilled from the top or hiding in the subfloor, moisture can be a problem for LVT/ LVP. Traditional roll carpet is a breathable surface, allowing moisture to move through the material to evaporate; however, LVT/ LVP can trap moisture between the subfloor and the product, which can mean big problems. Care should be used in selecting an LVT/ LVP for kitchens, water filling stations, or other locations that have a lot of moisture and/or spill potential. Moisture that sits too long on the surface of the flooring can seep between seams and get trapped under the flooring. This can lead to adhesive and/or flooring failure. Subfloors, both wood and concrete, should also be tested prior to replacement for moisture levels to determine if moisture is present. Natural springs, poor drainage, missing vapor barriers, and other factors can cause moisture to reside in subfloors. Checking the moisture levels in the subfloor can prevent future issues with the LVT/ LVP floors.
5/9/2022 0 Comments
#WhereAreWe Wednesday
New Social Media Campaign Launching May 11, 2022
Lucas Commercial Flooring will be launching a new Social Media Campaign, celebrating the Kansas City Metro area's outdoor art on Wednesday, May 11, 2022!
We are really inspired by the outdoor art provided in the Metro's communities, and we want to celebrate all that KC has to offer by sharing our inspirations. Every Wednesday morning we will share a palette of indoor construction materials, featuring flooring but including other interior finishes as well, along with snippets of an outdoor art piece.
The post will ask for Comments guessing the name and/or location of the outdoor art piece. At the end of the day, the art piece will be shown in combination with the inspired vignette, along with information about the art and it's location.
Lucas Commercial Flooring will feature a different area of the Metro every 4-6 weeks, starting with their office location, North Kansas City. We are also accepting recommendations for accessible outdoor art pieces for future highlights. Please send a picture or link to information on the art piece to [email protected].
Follow our Facebook, Linked In, or Instagram accounts to see what Outdoor Art will be featured this week!
The post will ask for Comments guessing the name and/or location of the outdoor art piece. At the end of the day, the art piece will be shown in combination with the inspired vignette, along with information about the art and it's location.
Lucas Commercial Flooring will feature a different area of the Metro every 4-6 weeks, starting with their office location, North Kansas City. We are also accepting recommendations for accessible outdoor art pieces for future highlights. Please send a picture or link to information on the art piece to [email protected].
Follow our Facebook, Linked In, or Instagram accounts to see what Outdoor Art will be featured this week!
2/5/2021 0 Comments
It's Official... again!
| We have received our official certificates from the City of Kansas City and the Missouri Regional Certification Committee that confirm that Lucas Commercial Flooring Group, Inc is a certified WBE/ SLBE/ DBE! In addition, Lucas Commercial Flooring Group, Inc has been WBE Certified through the State of Missouri. This process, due to the efficiency and thoroughness of the City of Kansas City certification, was a smooth and quick process. You can find our listings in the Diversity Directory at the following locations: KCMO DMWBE / Section 3 / SLBE Management System (mwdbe.com) Firm Search - State of Missouri (mo.gov) |  |
12/9/2020 0 Comments
Lucas Commercial Flooring Group, INC certified as WBE, SLBE, and DBE by the City of Kansas City, MO
Lucas Commercial Flooring Group is proud to announce our certification as a Women's Business Enterprise, Small Local Business Enterprise, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise through the City of Kansas City, MO.The process to become certified is an in depth look evaluating the control, management, day to day operations, and company structure to confirm that the company is 51% owned, controlled, and operated by a woman. Lucas Commercial Flooring Group, Inc. is owned and operated by it's President, Dana Hetrick. |  |
"We are so proud and excited to become part of the group of WBE Certified contractors in the Kansas City Metropolitan area. Although we have always been woman-owned, this Certification creates new opportunities with business owners that understand the benefit of a diverse supply chain. Our focus will remain on quality and service, and this provides one more level of quality for our customers through transparency of ownership and management."
After this local certification, State Certifications are next on the radar for Lucas Commercial Flooring Group. If you have WBE requirements on your projects, reach out to Lucas Commercial Flooring Group, Inc today!
11/19/2020 0 Comments
Healthcare Design During a Pandemic
 | Just for the "Health" of it, we wanted to get insight into the Healthcare Design industry in the middle of a Pandemic, and we were fortunate to have Krystal Gantz Fensky with ACI Boland sit down to discuss what she is seeing in the Healthcare Design Industry. "The thing that has drawn me to healthcare design is the impact our team's designs have on how people feel and interact in a space. We can aid healing simply reducing one's anxiety. How a space is designed can be so impactful and every aspect must be considered. " - Krystal Gantz Fensky, |
 | What is the most difficult thing about designing for healthcare facilities today? |
A. Different guidelines that are changing all the time and keeping up with them. Knowing new codes and finish requirements based on certain types of spaces. We must keep up with how end users are utilizing certain areas, so we are very considerate of the finishes going into those spaces, to support their needs and future maintenance. We must focus on making them feel less institutional at the same time to create a more soothing environment for patients and visitors. The fact that we can make a real impact on how people feel in these spaces is truly rewarding.
Q. What new material trends do you see in the healthcare segment?
 | Biophilic design elements are being incorporated more and more, especially with hard and soft surface flooring. I think manufacturers are becoming better at offering solutions to aid in design. |
Thanks to technology, design visuals are being offered in more materials, like luxury vinyl tile. Flooring manufacturers are doing a better job of offering coordinating visuals from one material to another as well. This provides designers with design and budget flexibility.
If an area needs sheet vinyl, and another does not need that type of durability, or cleanability we can improve the bottom line. More manufacturers are creating PVC free flooring too, so I believe this tells us they are working on more sustainable solutions to help with LEED, or be on the RED list.
If an area needs sheet vinyl, and another does not need that type of durability, or cleanability we can improve the bottom line. More manufacturers are creating PVC free flooring too, so I believe this tells us they are working on more sustainable solutions to help with LEED, or be on the RED list.
Q. What new color trends are you seeing?A: For healthcare we are continuing to see influence from residential and hospitality trends. However, in healthcare we do have to be mindful not to be too trendy in colors, because they do not update every couple of years like some other market segments do. Therefore, we use a more neutral color palette, with pops of color in those areas that are more affordable to change out. We have always seen blue and green, as those are more calming colors, but we are seeing other pops of color in artwork, signage, and furniture fabrics. | Q. Do you have a personal favorite new trend?No personal favorite, however I am excited to see all the new trends and how they can help us design a healthier environment for everyone that enters a healthcare facility. Creating a more positive environment for people that inhabit these spaces daily gives me a great feeling. |
Q. What impact is COVID 19 having on your projects? What about how you engage clients?
A. We have been doing virtual client presentations due to restrictions. Thanks to video conferencing, it has been working well. Video platforms enable us to still discuss the items we need to and make it more of a visual presentation. We are working with our clients in thinking more about the design of their waiting room spaces. We are looking at how we can distance seating and incorporate screening solutions while still providing an inviting environment for patients to be in. Finish materials and their cleaning solutions must be considered as well.
| Q. Has COVID 19 affected material selections? A. We have always considered the cleaning capabilities since we are in healthcare. Due to COVID we are really looking at cleaning codes more intensely because our clients are asking more questions about cleanability. Now, we can see clients wanting to investigate the effect of certain things, like hand sanitizers to make sure they will not create a future problem for the materials they can land on. | Q. Are any types of materials now being avoided? If so, why?A: We are trying to get away from specifying materials that require a lot of maintenance. Especially in healthcare where they are already cleaning everything for sanitary reasons. We do not want to add anymore task for housekeeping, or maintenance. For instance, VCT flooring requires more upkeep, so by not specifying, we can avoid the maintenance of waxing. |
10/12/2020 0 Comments
Community Spotlight: Hospitality
| Now that many have been working from home, cooking at home, and entertaining themselves at home for 7 months, we are asking ourselves what can we do to get out of our home? This edition of the Community Spotlight is about the market that gets us out of our homes: Hospitality. Melissa Miller with TK Architects International knows all the ins and outs of the hospitality industry, and she has shared some of her wisdom with us. "We are working very hard to accommodate the "new normal" and bring the movie industry back. ...our challenge is how to make semi-natural barriers that allow customers to enjoy their visit without feeling uncomfortable or crowded." -Melissa Miller, Architectural Designer/ Job Captain, TK Architects International |  |
Q. What new material trends do you see in the theater/ hospitality segment?
A: Before the virus we were seeing more experiential design and using the materials to define the spaces; i.e. arcades, bars, restaurants. The actual materials became more woods, stones, and other textures. Due to the pandemic, we will start to see the change of social distancing in public. How do we use materials as semi-natural barriers to create that separation of space?
Q. Do you have a personal favorite new trend? If so, what? Love that color is making a comeback. The theatre industry took a turn for hospitality design awhile back and everything became very neutral. Now we are starting to see the pops of color come back in our designs. It’s more fun, and it feels more designed. | Q. What new color trends are you seeing?A. Greens of every color, and pops of pastel pink. Last year’s deep blue is still very prominent as well. Q. Are any types of materials now being avoided? If so, why?A. Durability will always be key, but now we must consider cleanability and anti-microbial due to Covid-19. |
Q. What impact is COVID-19 having on your projects? What about how you engage clients?
A. I don’t believe we have been in this “new normal” long enough to see an impact on materials yet. However, our clients have started getting creative in how they operate. One client started hanging screens on their building exterior to turn their parking lot into a drive-in.
Likewise, contactless delivery is changing how to food has handled. More and more apps for ordering are being used instead of a traditional concessions counter. Within our office, we are doing a lot more Zoom/MS Team calls, while still continuing to use our phone to communicate with our clients.
Likewise, contactless delivery is changing how to food has handled. More and more apps for ordering are being used instead of a traditional concessions counter. Within our office, we are doing a lot more Zoom/MS Team calls, while still continuing to use our phone to communicate with our clients.
 | What is the most difficult thing about designing for theaters today? |
A. We are fighting the battle of how do we get families out of their homes and back into the theatres. With so many on demand services, theatres are having to try and reinvent the movie going experience. And maybe it’s not for movies. It might now be E-gaming events, concerts, or TV series finales instead. There are many opportunities for expansion when it comes to big screen theatres.
Q. What impacts have you seen on material selections?
A. We are going to see a turn towards anti-microbial. The materials still have to be aesthetically pleasing, but also very cleanable in order to make the customer more comfortable.
Q. Anything else you would like to add or want people to know?
A. The biggest thing is that a lot of theaters are starting to turn into family entertainment centers, to make them an experience, instead of a two hour event. We are also working very hard to accommodate the “new normal” and bring the movie industry back. Theaters are not spaces where people think of social distancing.
Therefore, our challenge is how to make semi-natural barriers that allow customers to enjoy their visit without feeling uncomfortable or crowded.
Therefore, our challenge is how to make semi-natural barriers that allow customers to enjoy their visit without feeling uncomfortable or crowded.
Lucas Commercial Flooring Group, Inc.
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